Child Custody Lawyer

Lead attorney, Erica M. Bansmer has served the Stockton community for years with her expert navigation of the family court system. She has helped many clients obtain the best possible outcome for their domestic law cases.

As an experienced child custody and visitation lawyer, Bansmer Law has represented countless clients with a variety of unique family law matters. Many of our clients have achieved victories, in spite of the complicated nature of their cases.

Having an experienced child custody lawyer matters! Bansmer Law’s experienced legal counsel ensures that we meet your needs and deliver fantastic results for your legal matters.

Types of Child Custody Issues

• Types of Custody and Visitation
• Custody Arrangements and Exchanges
• Modifications and “Moveaways”
• Third Party Rights
• Grandparents Visitation and Rights

Getting Custody of Your Children

For anyone who has to face the unpleasant consequences of a bitter custody battle, understanding the steps needed to get custody of your children can play a crucial role in the success or failure of your desired outcome. There are many factors which play a crucial role in the outcome of your case. After a careful evaluation of all the information gathered, our office will help you establish custody and visitation arrangements that protect the interest of your children while maintaining your rights as a parent.

California Child Custody Laws

In the state of California parents separating or considering a divorce must consider child custody and visitation for the children. California courts often refer to visitation as parenting time to reconfirm that the child is building a healthy relationship with both parental parties as opposed to either parent having a limited visiting time. The family courts aim to maintain a balanced family environment in which children can flourish and develop. Enduring the process of separation or divorce can significantly affect the emotions and behavior of children.

There are several resources parents can utilize to support their children during these times. California has provided free tools to assist parents in evaluating these processes and making custody decisions. The custody agreement is also known as a time-share plan. This plan details the agreement between both parents regarding time-sharing, decisions about the child’s education and health, as well as conditions for a reasonable quality of life. Utilizing the parenting plan tool along with the legal advice of your child custody lawyer can guide you in creating a well-crafted plan for your child’s future.

In some cases, parents are unable to reach an agreement, and a parenting plan cannot be completed. In these instances, child custody mediation may be ordered or requested. Custody mediation serves as a tool for parents to work out their parenting plan disagreements with an expert mediator. After working together and reaching an agreement the judge receives the plan and will decide whether to make the agreed plan an official custody door. If the parents are unable to reach an agreement, the mediator may be required to act as recommending counsel and submit a written recommendation to the court for its final ruling.

Six Points to Help You With Your Child Custody Case

1. Document every conversation or meeting you have between you and the other parent and if possible bring along a third party witness.
2. Consider using a private investigator to work with you and your attorney to provide documented evidence you can give to a judge as evidence against your spouse.
3. Ask lots and lots of questions. Becoming aware of as much of your situation as possible can only help you more.
4. If at all possible, try to avoid mental health evaluations. Carefully review your alternatives with your attorney BEFORE you get any evaluation.
5. Document the conversations and other activities you have with your children. Keep track of any parental actions on your part during your custody case.
6. Your children are the most precious possession. Work with your attorney to prepare for your case by providing all the necessary information, no matter how small it seems. Every bit of information is essential.

If you are going through the process of a child custody case and in need of an experienced family law attorney, call Bansmer Law today at 209-474-2400 for a consultation.